Saturday, September 5, 2026
Downtown Spruce Pine, NC
The North Carolina Hellbender Festival is a free, one-day event held each Labor Day weekend in Downtown Spruce Pine, celebrating clean rivers, outdoor recreation, and life in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Named for the Eastern Hellbender salamander, the festival brings together live music, local food, artisan vendors, and hands-on experiences focused on conservation and river health. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, educational workshops, and art activities that highlight the importance of protecting our waterways.
Drawing attendees from across Western North Carolina and beyond, the festival blends science, art, and community to create a high-energy, meaningful experience that supports local businesses and promotes stewardship of our region’s natural resources.
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Online Store
Browse the official North Carolina Hellbender Festival store for exclusive merchandise, including T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and more. Order now to get your gear in time for the festival or to show your support from anywhere!
Become a Sponsor!
Levels & Benefits
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NC Hellbender Festival presented by [YOUR NAME HERE]
Exclusive naming rights across all marketing, media, and event materials
Only one available
Top logo placement on all digital and print assets
Verbal recognition in press, advertising, and stage announcements
Naming rights to a primary festival feature (Main Stage or equivalent)
Premium activation space in a high-traffic location
Opportunity to address attendees from the main stage
Dedicated social media campaign and email feature
Inclusion in all paid advertising efforts
First right of refusal for the following year
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Prominent logo placement across marketing materials and event signage
Verbal recognition from the main stage throughout the event
Premium booth space in a high-visibility area
Opportunity to sponsor a featured festival area (Science Village, Arts Market, etc.)
Inclusion in digital marketing campaigns and email promotions
Social media recognition leading up to the event
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Logo placement on event signage, website, and select marketing materials
Booth space within the festival footprint
Verbal recognition during event programming
Inclusion in group social media promotion
Recognition on the festival website
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Logo placement on the festival website
Social media recognition
Optional booth space
Inclusion in sponsor listings
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Name or logo listed on the festival website
Recognition in sponsor listings
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For Downtown Spruce Pine Businesses Only
Recognition as a local business supporter
Listing on the website and social media
Optional booth space
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Depending on your specific goals and audience, we’ll customize your sponsorship to best fit your needs. In-kind sponsorship is a great way to introduce your products and/or services to a diverse audience while supporting the North Carolina Hellbender Festival. Needs generally include: media advertisements, speaking opportunities, workshop instruction, marketing and promotional materials, etc. If in-kind donations are of a value equivalent to a sponsorship level, you will receive benefits for that sponsorship level.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us with any questions at sbost@sprucepine-nc.gov
We are looking for passionate, community-minded volunteers to help us bring it to life! From supporting live music and hands-on science and art activities, to assisting vendors and guiding guests, there’s a role for everyone. Be a part of this one-of-a-kind event celebrating nature, culture, and community in Appalachia, inspired by the ancient Eastern Hellbender.
Sign up by clicking below, or reach out to sbost@sprucepine-nc.gov, and we will find a position that best fits you! Note that volunteers will receive a free Hellbender Festival t-shirt and sticker.
Join the Volunteer Team!
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
River Guardians
Mountain Ally
Hellbender Friends
